Mechanical properties of unidirectional, porous polymer/ceramic composites for biomedical applications

The addition of a ductile phase to porous ceramic can help overcome the brittleness ceramics. Yet, most studies so far have focused on processing and characterization dense composites. Alternatively, unidirectional pores improve strength Here we combine two approaches show simple strategy obtain highly porous, ceramic/polymer We infiltrated ice-templated zirconia scaffolds with polymer or solution. After centrifugation evaporation solvent, composites porosity greater than 60% were obtained. Our results demonstrate that (PCL) increase both toughness while maintaining high porosity, whereas brittle (epoxy) has seemingly no impact fracture properties. This approach could provide materials are easier handle for biomedical applications.